Lord Lieutenant of Stirling & Falkirk

Appointed by Her Majesty The Queen in 2017, Mr Alan Simpson is the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling & Falkirk and is Her Majesty’s representative in the area.

The Role of the Lord Lieutenant

The Lord Lieutenant's role is essentially non-political. In general the Lord Lieutenant seeks to promote a good atmosphere and a spirit of co-operation by encouragement given to voluntary service and to benevolent organisations, and by taking an active interest in the business, industrial and social life of the area and the voluntary activity that goes on in it.

Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by each Lord Lieutenant at their discretion. DLs support the Lord Lieutenant in general, acting as the Lord Lieutenant’s ‘eyes and ears’ across the Lieutenancy and representing the Lord Lieutenant on occasion.

As Her Majesty's personal representatives in the area, the Lord Lieutenant’s prime duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown. Within that remit, the Lord Lieutenant exercises the following functions:

Arranging all visits of members of the Royal family to the Stirling & Falkirk area and escorting Royal visitors;

Representing The Queen, including duties with the armed forces and presenting certain honours, medals and awards;

Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces.

Encouraging and assessing nominations for Honours, both personal and for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service;

Ensuring that The Queen's Private Office is kept informed about local issues relating to their area, particularly when a Royal visit is being planned;

Participation in civic, voluntary and social activities within the Lieutenancy area.

100th Birthdays and Diamond Wedding Anniversaries

Her Majesty The Queen will send a message of congratulations to a couple celebrating their 60th, 65th and 70th anniversaries and every year thereafter and to someone on their 100th and 105th birthdays and every year thereafter. Whilst notification of birthdays is handled automatically, wedding anniversaries will be marked only if someone draws attention to the date.

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious accolades for businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. The entry process is rigorous and highly competitive, with a success rate of around 20% each year. The closing date for entries is the last working day of September each year and the winners are announced annually on 21st April, the birthday of Her Majesty The Queen.

The business Award recognises outstanding achievements by UK companies in three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. The minimum entry criteria are very straightforward: a UK-based business with a minimum of 2 full-time, or equivalent, employees and a track record of outstanding commercial success over 2 or 3 years, depending on the Award category.

Winners receive a wide range of benefits including use of the prestigious Award Emblem on company stationery and websites, on goods produced and on advertising material. Winners have reported world wide recognition, added commercial value for the business, a boost to staff morale and extensive press coverage. The Award is formally conferred by a Royal representative. Winners also receive an invitation to a reception hosted by The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

For more information including the links to the online application and nomination forms visitthe Website. For further enquiries call The Queen’s Awards Office helpline on 020 7215 6880 or email

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award made to recognise and reward excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community. Groups must be nominated: for example,by beneficiaries of their work, members of the public, representatives of public bodies, or other voluntary groups.

It is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and providing an outstanding service.

Details of winners are announced annually on 2 June (the anniversary of The Queen's Coronation).

Winning groups receive a certificate signed by The Queen and a commemorative piece of crystal for display at the group's main place of operation. The Awards are presented on behalf of The Queen by the local Lord-Lieutenant or Lieutenant-Governor.

Many different types of organisations have won the award since it was launched, including groups working to improve the local environment, running community centres, managing play schemes and supporting families.